KZ ED15 – Review

KZ ED15

 KZ ED15

| Balanced Armature | Dynamic Driver |





KZ ED15, the latest budget-friendly hybrid earphone from KZ – with 2 drivers per side.

The KZ ED15 is the newest addition of KZ Acoustics to their ED line, preceded by the KZ ED12 which was a dynamic driver earphone with detachable cables but that did not became as massively famous as other models from the brand like the KZ ZST, KZ ATE or KZ ZS3.

The KZ ED15 is the final released model that was previously pre-announced as KZ YZ49. So far, the KZ ED15 is the only fixed-cable model from 2018 that is built in metal, last year the KZ ZS6 was the only model released in 2017 that used metal instead of plastics for their housing’s construction.

The KZ ED15 durability feels very solid and robust with their hefty metal construction and superb double-helix braided cables. It was quite some time since we saw models from KZ with this housing’s quality and compactness, that reminds us to the “old school” classics like the KZ ED9.

The aesthetics of the housings have an attractive retro look and have a back section with holes that suggests a open/semi-open back design. This perforated back housings has been seen in other models from KZ in the past like the KZ ZSE, KZ ED7, KZ EDR2 but some resulted to be just an aesthetic detail; this time the back design of the KZ ED15 is indeed semi-open.

The cables of the KZ ED15 are non-detachable and has the same design, finish and color as the one included with the KZ ZS10; the cable bifurcation section and plug are also identical.

The KZ ED15 is compatible with Android and Apple devices and can be bought with or without an inline mic/remote.

You can buy the KZ ED15 in:

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KZ ED15 Review

Tests & Scores

 


W

Weight

KZ ED15 weight in Ounces and KZ ED15 weight in grams.

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A

Accessories & Packaging

The KZ ED15 unboxing results in 3 pair of eartips with no additional accessories. The packaging is the same used in every latest KZ earphone like the KZ ZS10.

gramophone-256606/10


B

Bass & Sub Bass

Before proceeding to the results of the KZ ED15 soundtests, we want to highlight that our unit came with the eartips not placed as deep as they should/could, so be sure to check it out when you receive yours and fit them correctly if needed.

The KZ ED15 bass provides good punch but not too much depth. Mid-bass introduces a nice balanced energy without turning intrusive or boomy and sounding clean but adding warmth and fun. On the other hand, their semi-open design makes their sub-bass a bit conservative and could sound as if it was lacking depth at times (typical sub-bass characteristic of open/semi-open back headphones)

People wanting some mid-bass & sub-bass but not a bass-centered earphone could like their lower end style.

Applying an EQ, sub-bass reaches deeper levels and some extra punch is added but there are no drastic changes.

During our extreme bass tests the KZ ED15 handled up to 40% of the power of a Fiio E12 Mont Blanc (basshead EQ, high gain, bass boost) achieving a crazy deep sub-bass and very punchy response but never reaching a basshead impact nor rumble. Do not expect anything remotely near the Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro, KZ ZSR, Sony MDR-EX650, Sony MDR-EX800ST or Pioneer SE-CX8.

gramophone-256607.5/10

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KZ ED15
KZ ED15

M

Mids & Vocals

The KZ ED15 mids have clean lower mids and a mild mid-bass bleed level. Lower vocals sound clear enough but have a, somewhat, laid back tuning. Higher mids are crisp but not frequently harsh.

With an EQ lower vocals can be pushed for a more alive response but will preserve some of their laid back sound unless a complex EQ combination is used. If an advanced custom EQ is applied their mids get clear and not laid back nor congested.

gramophone-256607.75/10


H

Highs & Treble

The KZ ED15 highs have good brightness and resolve mild to low levels of detail. Their style is less aggressive with smoother highs that usually do not get excessively piercing nor strongly sibilant. Nonetheless, do not expect dark highs.

An EQ added a noticeable amount of extra brightness and much more detail was resolved but piercing highs can be empowered if applying an EQ on the wrong frequencies.

gramophone-256607.75/10

KZ ED15
KZ ED15

SL

Sound Leak

The sound that leaks out of the KZ ED15 is slightly lower than many average earphones but still they will be hearable by nearby people if you crank up the volume.

gramophone-256607.25/10

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SI

Sound Isolation

Noise isolation is fairly efficient, partial but clearly subdued perception of your surroundings will happen even at a low or moderate listening volume.

gramophone-256607.5/10

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KZ ED15
KZ ED15

C

Comfort

The traditional bullet-styled form factor is well-known to be easy to fit and comfortable to wear, the KZ ED15 makes use of this design shape and, therefore, has no discomfort or fit issues. You can wear them safely without fearing of them popping out nor of any in-ear pain.

gramophone-256609.75/10

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EQ

Response to Equalization

The KZ ED15 showed a good / very good response to custom equalization. The most efficient response and sound quality improvement was provided when a more advanced custom EQ was applied combining mids, lows and highs.

gramophone-256607.75/10

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Scores Scores

KZ ED15 Scores

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Frequency Response (raw)

KZ ED15 Frequency Response Curve

KZ ED15 Frequency Response Curve
KZ ED15 Frequency Response Curve

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Specifications

KZ ED15 Technical Specifications

TypeHybrid
Driver UnitBalanced Armature  + Dynamic Driver
Sensitivity96dB/mW
Power CapacityN/A
Impedance8.5 ohms
Frequency Response15-40,000Hz
DiaphragmUnknown
MagnetUnknown
CordY-type, braided cord
Cord Length1.25m
PlugStereo mini plug
WeightApprox. 27g
Supplied Accessories3x Earphone tips

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FAQ

KZ ED15 FAQ

How many drivers does the KZ ED15 have?

The KZ ED15 is a dual driver headphone. Which means that the KZ ED15 has 2 drivers  per side.

What type of headphone is the KZ ED15?

The KZ ED15 is an in-ear headphone.

Does the KZ ED15 have a microphone?

The KZ ED15 have a microphone and a remote.

Which KZ ED15 colors are available?

The colors available for the KZ ED15 are: Black and Silver.

What is the price of the KZ ED15?

You can check the most up-to-date price of the KZ ED15 Here.

Where can I buy the KZ ED15?

You can buy the KZ ED15 at: http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/BmmU7em

How many eartips does the KZ ED15 include?

The KZ ED15 includes 3 pair of eartips.

What cable do the KZ ED15 have?

The KZ ED15 have a non-detachable, Y-type, braided cable.

What cable connection does the KZ ED15 have?

The KZ ED15 cable connection has a 3.5mm mini stereo plug.

Are there replacement cables for the KZ ED15 ?

The KZ ED15 cables cannot be replaced.

Are there upgrade cables for the KZ ED15 ?

The KZ ED15 uses fixed non-upgradeable cable.

Does the KZ ED15 have Bluetooth / The KZ ED15 is a wireless headphone?

The KZ ED15 is a wired headphone and does not have Bluetooth.

Is the KZ ED15 compatible with Apple devices?

The KZ ED15 is fully compatible with Apple devices.

Is the KZ ED15 compatible with Android devices?

The KZ ED15 is fully compatible with Android devices.

Photos

KZ ED15 Photos

DISCLAIMER
We highly discourage anyone from trying to apply our testings to your own earphones, the risk of damaging or permanently breaking your iems is absolutely probable to happen. With our standardized equalization and amplification tests we push the limits of the earphones to the extreme. If anyway you decide to do so, we cannot be held responsible of the damage done to your equipment. Do it at your own risk.

KZ ED15

8

SCORE

8.0/10